Small Steps – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Small Steps

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2006

86%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Armpit is out of Camp Green Lake and trying to stay upright in a world that wants to trip him up.

Small Steps

book

2006

86%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Armpit is out of Camp Green Lake and trying to stay upright in a world that wants to trip him up.

4.6

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4.6

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Screenwise Verdict

Small Steps is a rare sequel that manages to be good without trying to copy the original's homework. It doesn't have the 'lightning in a bottle' magic of Holes, and the pop-star subplot feels a little dated in the era of TikTok, but the emotional core is rock solid.

Armpit is a great protagonist because he's not a saint; he's just a guy trying to do 5% better every day. If your kid liked the characters from Camp Green Lake, this is a no-brainer. It’s a fast, rewarding read that actually has something to say about how we treat people who have 'messed up.'

Age Fit

Perfect for the 10-14 crowd. It deals with teen themes like fame and romance, but stays clean enough for upper elementary kids who finished Holes and want more.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The core of the book is the sweet, protective friendship between Armpit and his young neighbor Ginny, who has cerebral palsy. It models a teen boy being genuinely kind and patient without it feeling forced or 'after-school special.'

Imaginative

It trades the mythic, destiny-heavy 'magical realism' of Holes for a grounded, realistic Austin, Texas. It's well-written, but it's a standard contemporary drama rather than a feat of world-building.

Safe

Generally safe for middle schoolers. There's a scene involving a physical altercation and a corrupt manager who gets violent, plus the ethics of ticket scalping, but nothing that would shock a 10-year-old.

Enriching

The 'small steps' philosophy is a top-tier life lesson for kids (and adults) who feel overwhelmed by their mistakes. It handles race, disability, and redemption with a light but honest touch.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

It shows a realistic path to redemption that doesn't involve winning the lottery or becoming a hero.
The relationship between Armpit and Ginny is one of the best depictions of platonic, supportive friendship in YA lit.
Louis Sachar's writing is incredibly easy to breeze through even for kids who claim to hate reading.

⚠

What to Watch For

The plot involves ticket scalping, which might require a quick 'don't do this' chat if your kid is an aspiring entrepreneur.
There’s a brief, scary moment near the end involving a knife and a crooked manager.
It’s a sequel to Holes, but the vibe is totally different—more 'teen drama' than 'desert mystery.'

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it's so hard for people to change their reputation once they've been in trouble?"
"What are the 'small steps' you're taking right now toward a big goal?"
"How did Armpit's friendship with Ginny change the way he saw himself?"

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